"I realize it's a big challenge," Matthaeus
said after being presented to the media. "I know that Bulgaria lost to
England and Montenegro in the first two matches but I think the team still has
a chance to finish second and then qualify for the finals."
Germany's former World Cup winning captain replaced
Stanimir Stoilov to become Bulgaria's fourth coach since Hristo Stoichkov quit
in 2007.
"It's an enormous task and we need to work very hard
to achieve it," the 49-year-old, who captained West Germany to the 1990
World Cup title and won a record 150 caps, said.
Matthaeus urged the local supporters and media to get
behind the team in their struggle against the odds to reach the tournament in
Poland and Ukraine.
"Bulgaria is a footballing country but we can be
successful only if the fans and the media give us their support."
"I know the Bulgarian football for a long time and I
know the current players are very skilful. However, I will ask every team
member for full commitment and for passion too."
Matthaeus, who will make his debut against Wales next
month, became the first foreigner to take over as Bulgaria coach since Czech
Rudolf Vytlacil vacated the post in 1966.
The 1991 FIFA World Player of the year said that he would
try to persuade Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to come out of
international retirement.
Berbatov, who is the Balkan country's all-time leading
scorer, quit the team in May.
"No doubt, I'll talk to him (Berbatov) and I hope
that he'll change his mind," said Matthaeus. "I believe that every
player should be proud to play for the national team.
"I've been in a similar situation with the German
national team during my playing days and I think I can tell him some things.
But it's up to him after all."
